Dramatic compositions led by chanteuse styled vocals. Upright bass, orchestral arrangements, sultry songs. Think: Angelo Badalamente (Julee Cruise/Twin Peaks), all things Nick Cave, Anna Calvi’s latest. Disclaimer: I never paid attention to Goldfrapp over they years but am aware she had commercial success. Knowing that, expecting the worst, my curiosity was piqued seeing this was released on Mute Records, a label that’s never released anything but the best. Instead of commercial pap I was surprised to find some pretty high end smokey drama. Theres a thin sheen of slick production that gets heavier at track 6, but it wanes revealing very nice stuff. Keep in mind that artists often evolve, go back to their roots that are often steeped in quality. Dolly Parton’s releases in the last 15 years sound nothing like the commercial swill she got famous for in the 70’s/80’s.

1) (4:39) dramatic, slow, orchestral w/ upright bass
2) (4:01) guitar arpeggio ballady, evolves to full orchestral drama
3) (4:40) arpeggio guit builds to higher crescendos, very dramatic with tymphanis
4) (3:49) slower more lilting pop flavor
5) (5:38) triplet baroque/celtic feel in phrasing, simple mandolin, builds layers that get slicker
6) (4:51) electro sultry flavor kicks in, dancey
7) (4:18) slow to build, pensive
8) (4:12) starts w/ simple guitar, adds quiet drums and strings, builds to a near samba sexiness, marked by an Ennio Morricone whistle melody hook
9) (4:11) slow diva ballad feel
10) (4:20) upbeat arpeggio fueled, upbeat almost poppy, Martha Davis/Motels come to mind